Issue - meetings

Report of the Director of Neighbourhoods and Development enclosed.

Decision made (unanimously):

That Cabinet agrees:

1.    To approve and implement the policy for ‘Volunteering with the Council’.

2.    To approve and implement the policy for ‘Employee Volunteering’.

The Cabinet Member (Community, Social Justice and Wealth Building) presented a report of the Director of Neighbourhoods and Development detailing a policy which provides a standard and clear framework to recruit, retain and support volunteering with the Council. The report also included a second policy setting out the framework for how the Council will enable its own employees to volunteer.

Decision made (unanimously):

That Cabinet agrees:

1.    To approve and implement the policy for ‘Volunteering with the Council’.

2.    To approve and implement the policy for ‘Employee Volunteering’.

Reasons for decision

The development of a volunteer framework and policy was identified within the Corporate Plan, under the theme of People and Communities. The decision will enable the council to develop a consistent approach to volunteering for the Council.

Alternative options considered and rejected

1.    The current position is inconsistent and ad-hoc, with no structure or corporate influence to identify volunteer opportunities within services.  There is neither a consistent way in which volunteers are recruited or inducted into the organisation, presenting risk and potential to not get the best experience for both volunteer and officer. To continue is not feasible, if the Council wishes to develop how it works with and engages in a cooperative way with communities and individuals who want to get involved in their communities.

2.    Employee volunteering and the level of paid leave has been considered in terms of either 1, 2 or 3 days. In 2016, the government had proposed 3 days paid volunteering leave for any organisation over 250 employees. Whilst this has not been taken forward, it set a standard target to aim for. In providing 3 days, it would enable a short and focused volunteering period for an employee to take part in a local project or it can provide sufficient hours to take part in a longer-term development process such as professional development through serving as a trustee.